Kevin Vogt Heading to Hoffenheim

The departure of the 24-year-old midfielder closely follows that of Yannick Gerhardt, making it two significant defensive-midfield contributors to leave the club in a span of days.

Vogt’s 1:0 against Dortmund launched celebrations in Müngersdorf.

The former U-21 international’s contract had been set to expire next summer, but after finding himself the odd man out of the midfield picture after the winter break, Vogt started looking at a move rather than a contract extension, ultimately getting a new contract with Hoffenheim through the 2019-20 season, along with some new expectations among a young squad.

“After what was, for me, a difficult second half of the season, I came to the decision to take on a new challenge,” said Vogt. “After some very good discussions with (Hoffenheim trainer) Julian Nagelsmann und (Hoffenheim professiona-football director) Alexander Rosen, I am convinced that the envisioned style of play of TSG fits well with my playing capabilities and that I can contribute my part to a continued development.”

“I am completely aware of the expectations.”

Though the two clubs have agreed to not disclose financial details of the transfer, the number is believed to be €5 million, a number that helps Köln make the best of a personnel move it didn’t necessarily want to make, especially in light of the €1.8 paid for him two years prior.

“Kevin came to us with the wish to transfer. We ultimately were able to come to terms with TSG Hoffenheim, even though we were reluctant to lose Kevin,” said sporting director Jörg Schmadtke. “Immediately following our promotion, Kevin was an important part of our team and contributed the last two years in whats that enables us to reach our goals. We wish him all the best in the future.”

Vogt arrived from FC Augsburg the summer preceding the 1. FC Köln’s return to Bundesliga competition after two years in the second division. In his two seasons in Köln, Vogt played in 55 league matches and another five cup matches, with his lone goal being a memorable 1:0 in October 2014, helping the FC to a 2:1 victory over Borussia Dortmund.

Alexander Rosen, director of professional football at TSG Hoffenheim, believes Vogt can be a key acquisition to his club, one trying to establish some distance from the bottom of the table where they’ve spent large portions of recent seasons.

“(Vogt) is an already established Bundesliga player who should be an important link between our defense and offense with his qualities,” said Rosen. “(Vogt) will lend stability to our attack-oriented style of play, and do our team well with his personality.”

“I am thankful for two intense and pleasant years with 1. FC Köln. Special thanks goes to the entire team, together with whom we reestablished the FC in the Bundesliga. I wish the entire club all the best for the future.”